My house is around 1900 sq ft. My electric bill for Jan/2010 was over $500 and that was keeping the thermostat low, because I paid another couple of hundred for the noisy, ugly propane fireplace.

New gas water heater, new furnace, new windows, more insulation in attic = gas bill for Dec/2011- $100 and electric bill for Dec/2011- $45.50 plus another $50 in delivery charges, $5 in regulatory charges, $4 debt retirement charge and 13.50 in taxes...bunch of crooks. Considering last summer during an intense heat wave Ontario Hydro sold some surplus hydro to the States for cheaper than what they charge local consumers.

Anyway, I paid $1100 for the water heater install, including the piping to bring the gas into the house. I think it was a really good price for up here, because the installer quoted me that based on his confidence of getting the furnace job as well.

Probably true, but a great way to do business. It's like homeowners & auto insurance. Always cheaper when bought together.

Did you replace an electric furnace, or a gas model?

Anyway, sounds like you've made some awesome updates and improvements on your house - ones that are going to pay off in a BIG way!

Advertisement

Thanks!
I replaced a big old giant electric.
I knew the house needed a lot or work when I purchased and I never even liked it all that much, but I loved the lot and the area and those are things that you can't change over time.
In fact I think I found this site because the tank failed in the first month and the installer turned out to be a _____!

Thanks!
I replaced a big old giant electric.
I knew the house needed a lot or work when I purchased and I never even liked it all that much, but I loved the lot and the area and those are things that you can't change over time.

Dang. Old electric furnaces. They were pretty awesome when electricity was basically free. Was that installed in the early 60s, by chance?

And you're dead-on right about location. It's the foundation on which all real estate value is based. 5 years ago my wife & I landed in our current house - a beautiful old 2-story brick house that's 1/4 mile from her office, and less than 2 miles from mine. It is amazing.